This book explores the state of California — viewing the state as a holistic political culture that reflects the influence of multiple cultures, ethnic groups, and communities of interest. It starts with a broad historical foundation, and travels through cultural analyses and institutional discussions. The evaluation of specific policy issues affecting the state is an important stop along the way, and the crossroads that bring together the variety of analytic paths. This book is suited for individuals interested in California policy work, and gaining a better understanding of that state's unique political culture.

Is California beyond repair? A sizable number of Golden State citizens have concluded that it is. Incessant budget crises plus a government paralyzed by partisan gridlock have led to demands for reform, even a constitutional convention. But what, exactly, is wrong and how can we fix it? In California Crackup, Joe Mathews and Mark Paul provide clear and informed answers. Their fast-paced and often humorous narrative deftly exposes the constitutional origins of our current political and economic problems and furnishes a uniquely California fix: innovative solutions that allow Californians to debate their choices, settle on the best ones, hold elected officials accountable for results, and choose anew if something doesn’t work.

In politics, as in so many other areas, California is unique. The state's economy - the largest in the nation, and sixth largest in the world - is given to dramatic swings. Its legislative system is often defined by gridlock on matters large and small. The use of the initiative, one of the tools of "direct democracy", has become commonplace. Over the years, California has had more than its share of political turmoil. But for pure melodrama, nothing matches the 2003 campaign to recall the state's sitting governor, Gray Davis. Recall! relates the latest and most dramatic chapter in the political history of the Golden State. The authors are recognized experts on California politics and regular local television political analysts. They provide fascinating coverage of the events leading up to Davis's replacement by bodybuilder-turned actor-turned politician Arnold Schwarzenegger; describe the large and colorful cast of characters involved in the special election; and demonstrate how California's one-of-a-kind mix of political, economic, and social circumstances made it all possible.

Breaks new ground in its coverage of California during the Civil War era, in terms of geography and social groupings.

The two most popular question that people ask: 1) what is my purpose and 2) why was I born ? In Purpose, Why were you called you can find the answer. This book will also help you figure out what is you assignment and how to allow God to prepare you so that you will be able to successfully carry out your assignment and glorify God. I used part of my life to assist you in your journey. My story is not meant to cause pity, but to give praise to God. Purpose, Why were you called will help you to understand why you were born or called into a life fill with so much pain resulting from so many hurts and abuse. You will understand that there are two spirits in the world-- God and the Devil and they control the people in our lives. Two groups of people are called to be vessels of honor and vessels of dishonor. The vessels of honor belong to God, and vessels of dishonor belong to the Devil. Each of these people was placed on earth with an assignment. Both will glorify God.

"This book breaks new ground, not only in its coverage of California, but also in its treatment of the role of cultural links in enhancing national loyalty, in its attention to many groups of people of color, including Chinese and Latinos, and what happened to them during the Civil War. In addition, the book devotes attention to the ebb and flow of the two political parties and to the little-known fact that nearly 17,000 California men and women volunteered for military service on behalf of the Union. Glenna Matthews broadens understanding of the Civil War era both in terms of geography and in terms of social groupings."--Amazon.com.